RSI SmartCAP & Howling Moon Awning Demo/Review | Touring 4x4 Setup | Modified Mazda BT50

We've been using this canopy and awning on our touring BT50 for a couple of months and several short camping trips recently. We decided we needed a better tub solution when we returned from WA and this one has worked a treat! Compared to over $25K for a custom tray and canopy (before 12V and drawers) we decided that the SmartCAP offered similar results (gulwings, fully lockable, good looks) at 20% of the price!
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Dee uses iMovie for final production and Adobe Creative for editing. Our video's utilise ArtList for royalty free music and Canva for thumbnail content. We also use a combination of the native DJI and GoPro apps for first cut editing

[@jt8479]

Your setup is incredible. Great ideas as I build my Power Wagon in the states (without the awesome accent).

[@dclark6632]

Nice video with a great presentation of the features of both canopy and awning. I like your relaxed style, well done.

[@exploremoorelife]

Haha the goanna came to say hi!!! Great vid🙂

[@vincegiordmaina4440]

Fitted my RSI canopy a few months ago on my Colorado. I love it and its very solid. I opted for the back window.

[@onlyleavingfootprints]

Oh that red dust arghhh. Great setup. The canopy looks great and something to consider in the future. Love the roof fitted table

[@Yabba2max]

Great vid guys, luv the awning. Good to see old mate the lizard made another appearance

[@livelikekings8968]

In watching your latest innovative masterpiece, it’s clear that the essence of innovation isn’t just in the groundbreaking technologies or the innovative techniques you showcase. It’s in the innovative way you weave together ideas, fostering a community that thrives on innovation. Your content doesn’t just inform; it innovates the very way we perceive innovation, turning viewers into innovators themselves. Here’s to more innovation, in every sense of the word, as we eagerly await your next innovative creation. Keep innovating, because in this innovative journey, every step forward is an innovation in itself!

[@empty_nestadventures]

Thanks for your innovative comment

[@scottgrove9821]

Awesome setup, I love my Howling moon awning as well

[@harveysingh6139]

Great video, will definitely be buying the same setup as you….cheers 👌🏾👏🏾🙏🏾

[@graemebarr4333]

Well done Ant very professional

[@darwonboyful]

Fantastic video. Thanks for sharing this. Ive been looking for a canopy option for our ranger for ages now and have found the smart cap to be what im after. Its great to see one with the awning setup as well.

[@sgthoskins]

Great review brother!

[@farazjafri836]

Nice detail review!! 👍

[@Sky_Pixelz]

Cool Vid👍

[@jase6827]

Great Video, I went Ute master canopy over the SmartCap as Utemaster openings gull wing doors are much wider like a Canopy tray. Clearly more expensive then smartcap but

[@reganobrien22]

Any more thoughts on the awning in the long run guys? Looking at the 6 panel for my camper

[@Noobs4x4Adventures]

I am looking at getting one of these for my Ford Ranger. Thanks for this.

[@empty_nestadventures]

Make sure you mention the channel if your speaking to RSI and they’ll look after you

[@Noobs4x4Adventures]

@@empty_nestadventures Will do, thanks again.

[@Noobs4x4Adventures]

Got the canopy, and it is awesome, question about your Rhino rack, what brackets did you use to mount the rack on to it?

[@dombdy]

Thanks for the review on the RSI canopy nothing but positive. Looking at replacing my fibreglass canopy as I think I carried as much dirt and dust it the tub as you after my central Australia trip. 😊

[@empty_nestadventures]

Make sure you do a tailgate seal kit as well. The SmartCAP actually has a patented positive pressure vent on the roof that works much like a caravan dust reduction system. Worked a treat for us so far

[@JoshSinnott97]

Hey mate, can you recommend a tailgate seal kit. I had a dual cab but the dust ingress bugged me so much I sold the car for a wagon but I'm sitting pretty close to gvm so another dual cab might be on the cards again soon for that reason

[@surfing4theloveofit]

Great set-up 👍, I would like to know how dust proof is the caravan that would be interesting, do like that canopy well done. Happy Christmas and a safe and happy new year 🎉 😊

[@empty_nestadventures]

Cheers! Same to you guys as well. The van we did in our lap in had a Dometic Dust Reduction system and it worked perfectly. We didn’t get any dust in the van but obviously the ute didn’t go as well before the canopy.. checkout some of the other vids on our channel, we talk about the DRS in our mods review vid. I see them as a must, and all Jawa’s now come with them as standard

[@Theaveragepunter1]

Love your work. Thank you. Have you thought if an RSI awning would be better on the Jawa instead of the one dimensional standard awning?

[@empty_nestadventures]

Thanks! Have definitely thought about these types of awnings on the van and tested a few options. I think the best decision on these are making it between the car and van. I don’t think 270’s are best for the van as they make your setup longer and wider. I personally think a good 180 is the best for a van. The rear wrap for us is wasted space and makes landing the van more of a hassle as you have the width to deal a well. All that said, better than the standard awning. The 270 on the car is perfect as we often leave the van in safe places and get deeper offgrid with the car and sleep in the swag. As I use the canopy and tailgate to cook and operate the campsite, the 270 is perfect. That’s the ideal setup for us

[@davea7250]

Another Great Vid , thankyou have you done something about the tailgate seal . cheers .

[@empty_nestadventures]

Yes, I installed EGR dust defence kit

[@Snook_]

Where abouts are you and what campsite, looks lovely. Great for a fish! Nice channel just subbed. Like your laid back non arrogant style

[@empty_nestadventures]

Cheers! We’re just in it to have fun and travel around…. This one was shot at Double Island Point in SEQ. Camp zone 2 at Cooloola camping. It’s a national park, so like $7 per adult per night. You need a beach permit for the car as well, think it’s ~$13 per day or ~$33 for a week. Checkout the video we did called beachside paradise and stealth 12 review, we cover off all the costs in and around this awesome spot. Better to be there outside of school holidays and thru the week if possible as it gets busy on the weekends

[@AusAdventure]

It was good to see this vid as I have one on order. Did you install it yourself?

[@empty_nestadventures]

Had the guys at RSI install it for me but it’s a pretty straight forward job now that I’ve see it.

[@Kevin-ee2tz]

Thanks for posting. Would love to see, hear opinion on dust ingress with the new canopy. I may have missed it but I didn't hear you talk about the Positive Pressure vent the RSI smart cap has which claims to keep dust and water out? Cheers

[@empty_nestadventures]

So after months of testing, can confirm that the positive pressure works a treat and so far had zero water in the canopy. I have $10k worth of 12V components, so confident in its performance

[@luvmysuperduty]

Fantastic video! Best RSI video I’ve seen. They need to use you to explain accessories and how they can be applied. Is that awning removable for daily driving?

[@empty_nestadventures]

Cheers. It’s removable but a two person job

[@kfone7263]

Great video mate love your BT reviews....did you make any content on your cape trip...

[@empty_nestadventures]

We only got as far as Cooktown…. We decided that we were going to sell our first van whilst the market was still hot and also to save the Cape for a boys trip with my sons. We did spend plenty of time though in FNQ, still gotta edit them all

[@kfone7263]

@@empty_nestadventures thanks guys cape trip is awesome

[@GrabLifeByTheGourlays]

Awesome vid and didn’t the weather turn it up at Double Island? So what made you video Howling Moon over other awning like Bushwakka etc…

[@empty_nestadventures]

Bushwakka had too many negative reviews

[@GrabLifeByTheGourlays]

@@empty_nestadventures cheers for that, what negative reviews should I be looking out for? I haven’t read any though I haven’t been looking either! 😂 We’re still waiting on our tow vehicle to be made! 😆

[@kerryyappa4088]

How did you seal around the Tailgate to stop the dust from sucking in ? Thanks, Kerry

[@empty_nestadventures]

I got an EGR kit online and installed it. Give it a search. Seemed to be the best available and cheaper than Mazda doing it. The Smartcap also has an air vent setup on top that uses positive pressure to keep dust out. It also releases hot air when the vehicle is stationary

[@NorthOz]

What a cool setup! The smart cap looks like a good cheap alternative to a full on canopy. How much was your smart cap with the tool boxes and everything you optioned it with? Did you get a company to install it and if so what did that cost if it was extra. Just subscribed, Mark from FNQ 👍

[@empty_nestadventures]

Yeah, a custom tray and canopy was my starting point. After a couple of quotes came in around $24K (without drawers and 12V), I had to really rethink. As it’s only the two of us, we didn’t really need anymore space than the Smartcap gives us. All I’ve sacrificed with it is a bit of width and a deeper gulwing that runs down to the tray….. so the only think I haven’t achieved is a standup fridge. The Smartcap with the options I’m running came in just about $5K. Then add the rhino rack at about $1200 and the awning at around $1400- but those would have gone on a custom build anyway. So about 20% of what the custom tray and canopy was going to cost. The owner at RSI called me yesterday and said he’d be happy to look after anyone who mentions our channel with some discounts as well!

[@NorthOz]

@@empty_nestadventures Thank you for the detailed reply! I wasn’t expecting that. I love the transparency. I was thinking the drawers you have in the gull wing would be way more than that. I’ll reach out to RSI to see what they think. I like your setup and your channel is awesome. Keep up the good work. Let me know if you want to collab in the future. I’m up in cairns 👍

[@nicholasfield4272]

Great Video! What model smartcap is that? I've noticed that yours has no glass at all (Front, back or sides) I can't find that model on the RSI smart cap website. Thanks

[@empty_nestadventures]

It’s called the EVO Defender

[@Always_Sundayx7]

How did the magnet light stick to stainless? Shelves look awesome.

[@empty_nestadventures]

Stainless steel has good permeability, creating good magnetic memory. The steel at its core is ferromagnetic and the coating is thin, so it works

[@jpb308]

Hi Anthony We were looking at the drawer system you’ve opted for and hoping to use it for all the tools needed with the van. Cordless drill, hammer, hatchet, jack, brace etc We have this currently one of the front tool boxes on our Sirocco, but we can’t keep the condensation out of it and it’s all rusting. Do you reckon it’d work for that stuff? Might be a little shallow and not deep enough? Cheers

[@empty_nestadventures]

So with my drawers, one is full of recovery gear- tree saver, shackles, block and mallet. It’d be ok for your hammer, hatchet, drill and brace. What size jack do you use? I’ll test it with mine later today, I use a 6T

[@jpb308]

@@empty_nestadventures Sounds promising. I have a 4t bottle Jack. Thanks for your help

[@laddventures6823]

YAY

[@empty_nestadventures]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@laddventures6823]

@@empty_nestadventures Bloody Awesome, Loving that Canopy even more now, Just on the interwebs now checking them out, Thanks for the info, Might just have me one soon 👍

[@robertandy9811]

😊

[@alanjohnston243]

Hey mate, love the awning do all the mounting brackets for the rhino rack come with it

[@empty_nestadventures]

Yeah, I just used the standard 40mm ones supplied by RSI

[@alanjohnston243]

@@empty_nestadventures cheers thanks mate

[@UncleDobby]

G’day mate. I’m considering the RSI Smartcap for my Hilux Rogue. Very disappointed with the factory roller cover. My biggest concern is the weight though. About 120kg with minimum options. Did you have a GVM upgrade on your BT by any chance? I’m thinking that’s my only chance of getting one of these.

[@empty_nestadventures]

Yeah my GCM upgrade took it from 3100 to 3360

[@MickEdEvans]

looks good mate, did you consider the camp king industries tub topper? The aluminium or steel tub toppers are only just taking off here in Aus, I'm keen on one but still shopping around. interested to hear what swung you towards RSI.

[@empty_nestadventures]

TBH, hadn’t looked at camp king but looking at their website, seem to only Hilux, 79 and Rangers. Look like good hear though. I met the RSI guys at a Brisbane camp show and I guess because I could really go over it and check quality, I was happy with them and the products. I love how you can configure the bins to suit your ute as well. I’d had a few quotes for custom tray & canopies and they came in around $24K without 12v Or drawers, so after I picked myself up off the floor, decided we didn’t need the extra width or deeper gulwings.. still have plenty of space. Also love the RSI positive pressure vent to keep dust out

[@MickEdEvans]

@@empty_nestadventures Thanks mate appreciate the info. The positive pressure air vent is the main thing swinging me towards RSI - seem to be the only company that does this for an aluminium or steel tub topper. I do plenty of outback driving so will be crucial. Will see if Camp King will do one - would like to support aussie made if I can!

[@slavick07]

Hey mate, what size is the Rhino rack and what are the type of legs to attached to the canopy? Thanks!

[@empty_nestadventures]

Hi mate. Just used the 40mm supplied by RSI and the rack is 1328x1236. Sits fairly close height to the car platform. My car rack is on normal rhino racks as the backbone wasn’t available when I first did the car. The racks are slightly higher than the backbone

[@MC-jf6ic]

Cool set up mate, how much did that all cost? Minus the awning.

[@empty_nestadventures]

About $6k in 2022

[@nikijacobs9550]

Hey mate. I have a couple of questions if you don't mind. #1) What is the tyre and wheel sizes you are running on the BT. #2) Is the ute lifted or stock height? Other then that, great video. Currently looking at canopies myself and i think this one will solve me problems.

[@empty_nestadventures]

Hi mate. Running a 286/65 R18 (aftermarket rim wider than standard) and the lift is 3” in the front (Blackhawk UCAs, munji drop diff and brake line extended) and the rear is 2” with 300kg constant springs and adjustable for towing with custom airbags and flange. Had poly air airbags previously but tore one in the bush.

[@robertangelkovski549]

Looks like good quality bit of gear. Are you still happy with the awning and canopy?

[@empty_nestadventures]

100 percent! We’re well into our second lap and the canopy is one of the best mods I’ve ever done. If you get one, make sure you get the rooftop mounted table. We use it almost everyday

[@robertangelkovski549]

@empty_nestadventures cheers for that. We just got back from our lap at the end of Jan and have started planning for the next one. I've only got a tub cover on the Hilux and had the dust problem like you did. Thanks for the advice and happy and safe travels 🍻

[@indigothedog]

Did the Goanna take anything?

[@empty_nestadventures]

Bahahah, not really. Just a few meat off cuts

[@joshc511]

Does the tub still leak dust through the tailgate?

[@empty_nestadventures]

Not when moving. The positive pressure vent on top of the SmartCap works well

[@rodneyhaley1734]

I’d be changing the Direction of your shovel on the roof turn it around so the head of your shovel is at the front, I’ve seen one come off a 4x4 that had just traveled over a thousand is he couldn’t believe it came off and hit another car right into the front windscreen the driver was very lucky it missed her by inches and diverted

[@robertwilson1827]

Facing forward, face of shovel facing down?

[@dirtyoff-roadaustralian5525]

Did I miss the part where you were going to recap on dust ingress after canopy installation 🤷‍♂️

[@empty_nestadventures]

We haven’t been lucky enough to get out to the west again yet. As mentioned on the vid, we’ve done some dust, sand etc around SE QLD though and nothing in so far. I’ve also done the tailgate seals since we shot this vid

[@dirtyoff-roadaustralian5525]

@@empty_nestadventures any particular brand of tailgate seal you would recommend And I’ll wait for a further update on the dust ingress I’ve got the roller shutter on the Hilux Rogue but was thinking of a fibre glass canopy and hearing that dust still gets in but I’m not sure they are using a reputable brand of tailgate seal kit

[@empty_nestadventures]

@@dirtyoff-roadaustralian5525 I went for EGR seals. I’ll do an upgraded vid once our Enerdrive lithium setup is done ✅

[@kristyreilly3542]

Just letting you know the front gas strut on the RHS of your vehicle is upside down.

[@empty_nestadventures]

Oh… bahahaha. Just went out and checked. Must of been the last thing/beer no. 6-7 by that time!

[@Itsme-zq3et]

What’s the awning weigh guys?

[@empty_nestadventures]

27kg and thanks for reminding me, I meant to add that to the vid. We looked at the 6 panel, but it was 10kg heavier and it’s only the two of us.

[@stopato5772]

Add a roof top bed/tent and you are all set

[@empty_nestadventures]

Usually towing a van, but do have a swag in the back of the ute

[@allankingsbury5657]

G'day to you and your wife. My brothers' name is Barry (Baz). I enjoy your vids very much, and your choice of the RSI SmartCAP was an excellent one indeed: looks great on Barry. I was wondering if you had considered dust-sealing your tailgate as a good addition to your SmartCAP? Incase you are, you may be interested in this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3_EaZ-jn9iEoJI which my brother fitted to his D-Max recently, and it works wonders. just a thought? Cheers!

[@abdulla.binayaf]

it would have been nice video if the arm pit hair 🤢 sticking out every now and then. i couldn't continue watching. please shave or ware a T Shirt.

[@fisher898]

Purchased a Rhino 270 a while back. Worst thing ever. Had to get a larger bag as the awning just wouldn’t fit without great difficulty. Water won’t drain off unless ropes between the poles are used. I have actually removed it because it wasn’t worth using. Sent a letter to manufacturer. Never got a reply.

[@empty_nestadventures]

Grab a Howling Moon mate! They’re awesome